Lithic analysis

In archaeology, lithic analysis is the analysis of stone tools using basic scientific techniques. Lithic analysis involves measuring various physical aspects of stone tools as well as observing the tool type, its characteristics, the presence features such as cortex, and the like. A thorough understanding of the lithic reduction and ground stone processes, in combination with the use of statistisc, can allow the analyst to draw conclusions concerning the type of lithic manufacturing techniques used at an prehistoric archaeological site. Among the tool types analyzed are projectile points, bifaces, unifaces[?], ground stone artifacts, and lithic reduction by-products such as flakes and cores.